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What is the Lifespan of a Mosquito?

Mosquitoes have a 1-2 month lifespan. However, they are constantly reproducing during this time, meaning the population is always cycling. It takes about two weeks for a newly-hatched mosquito larva to develop into an adult.

Soon after, the adult mosquitoes will begin to breed, starting the cycle over. Mosquitoes will die naturally in about one to two months or when the temperatures start to drop. They are also often eaten by predators, such as birds, bats, and dragonflies.

lifespan of mosquitoes in El Paso Texas - Pest Defense Solutions

The Life Cycle of a Mosquito

The mosquito life cycle takes about two weeks. In general, the mosquito breeding process looks like this:

  1. First, female mosquitoes must find a blood meal, which enables them to reproduce. After feeding, they will find standing water to lay their eggs on. 
  2. The eggs hatch within 24 to 72 hours. When the larvae emerge from the eggs, you can see them squirming around in the water. They will feed on algae, protozoans, and other organic material.
  3. After 7-10 days, the larvae reach the pupal stage. At this point, the pupae spend a couple of days inactive at the surface of the water, acclimating to the air.
  4. After about three days of the pupal stage, the adult mosquito emerges. They are fully capable of breeding just one day later. Female mosquitoes can reproduce and lay eggs for the majority of their lifetime. 

How Long Can Mosquitoes Live For?

Male mosquitoes usually live for a week or two after reaching adulthood. Female mosquitoes, on the other hand, can live for over a month. Mosquito eggs laid away from water can survive for months at a time before hatching. Although mosquitoes have a relatively short life cycle, their rapid rate of reproduction keeps their populations on a steady incline during the warmer months.

How Do Mosquitoes Usually Die?

Contrary to what some believe, mosquitoes do not die after biting someone. Female mosquitoes will consistently feed throughout their lifetime. Mosquitoes die of natural causes after a month or two. Their numbers drop rapidly when the warmer temperatures of spring and summer dwindle away because their bodies aren’t meant to withstand temperatures lower than 50 degrees. However, females will occasionally hibernate, and unhatched eggs can survive the winter.

What is the Lifespan of a Mosquito? in El Paso TX

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